I've been a photo professional in New York City for about 34 years, deriving 100% income from my passion/profession during that time. I opened my first studio in Manhattan in 1984. I've had years where I couldn't buy a photography assignment, and other years where I couldn't believe how much money I was making with a camera. It has been both one of the most difficult, but also most rewarding, professions I can imagine. My skill set has opened doors most people never get to walk through, and I'm grateful for that.

I think some earlier posts are correct, most of the contributors here are amateur, advanced amateur, or semi-pro. I don't read this blog every day, but have found it useful to keep up with the buzz from that segment of the market. I am sometimes appalled at some of the misinformation I come across, but I also find some of the contributors are surprisingly well informed. I occasionally pick up a new piece of information or a useful link. I think one thing that drives blogs like this, and our general fascination with photography, is that no matter how hard you try, or how long you try, you can never learn all there is to know about the field.

If anyone is interested, I launched a new web site for my photo business several weeks ago that sort of traces the trajectory of my career. If so inclined, check out www.markloetephotography.com. I've been working on it for over a year, but it's still a work in progress... if anyone has any comments or constructive criticisms, I'd love to hear them.

Hopefully when you see misinformation you are stepping and setting us right. Any time you get a group of people together with varying degrees of knowledge and skill you are going to get people who think they know more than they do. If you ever see me putting out something I think is right, but in truth is not please set me straight. I have been wrong before and I am sure I will be wrong again. :lol:

Hi RTR: I'm in the same position that you are, I'm a picture taker. Definately not a Pro... I'm reasonably certain if I tried to sell anything I have taken so far photograph wise I would have trouble eveb giving it away. That being said I am learning something new every day, that I hope will improve my photo's enough that some day I will be taking photo's some one will really want. We all have to start some where and I'm starting late in life. Just a wanted to say thanks to all the Pro's and very talented Amatures for sharing their wealth of knowledge with every one here at UHH. I'm glad you asked the question.

Hopefully when you see misinformation you are stepping and setting us right. Any time you get a group of people together with varying degrees of knowledge and skill you are going to get people who think they know more than they do. If you ever see me putting out something I think is right, but in truth is not please set me straight. I have been wrong before and I am sure I will be wrong again. :lol: